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Purpose: To explore the relationship between histologic chorioamnionitis (HCA) and decidual macrophage (DM) polarization and their influence on outcomes of neonates born before the 32nd gestational week., Materials and Methods: Eighty-four neonates and their placentas were included in this retrospective case-control study and divided into two groups: with and without HCA present (HCA + and HCA-). Neonatal, maternal, and placental risk factors were explored and their influence on neonatal outcomes was examined. We used CD68 and iNOS as markers for polarized DMs type 1 (M1) and CD163, CD206 and arginase (Arg-1) for polarized DMs type 2 (M2)., Results: HCA was present in 47 (56%) cases, and 37 (44%) cases were without the present HCA. There was no statistically significant difference in neonatal risk factors between the two groups (HCA + and HCA-). Higher rates of HCA ( p  = .042) were observed in mothers who received antepartum corticosteroid therapy. The frequency of vaginal deliveries in HCA + pregnancies was significantly higher than in HCA- pregnancies where deliveries by cesarean section were more frequently observed ( p  < .001). M2 DM were more abundant in the HCA + group ( p  = .035). Multiple regression model assessed the association between the presence of HCA, M1, and M2 DM with ROP stages. It has been observed that HCA is a risk factor for ROP stages ( β coefficient = 0.34, r partial  = 0.246, p  = .024). With the logistic regression model, the association between the presence of HCA, M1, and M2 DM with neonatal nCPAP respiratory support and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) was assessed. The presence of M2 macrophages in decidua is an independent risk factor for neonatal nCPAP respiratory support (coefficient -0.07, OR = 0.928, 95% CI 0.87-0.99, p  = .024) and the presence of M1 macrophages in decidua increases the risk for NEC (coefficient 0.010, OR = 1.0108, 95% CI 1.00-1.02, p  = .032)., Conclusions: The significantly more abundant presence of M2 DM was detected in HCA + placentas and their association with the increased risk for neonatal nCPAP respiratory support was observed. On the contrary, the presence of M1 DM increases the risk for NEC. The presence of HCA is a risk factor for ROP stages.

Francisella tularensis is a highly virulent intracellular pathogen that proliferates within various cell types and can infect a multitude of animal species. Francisella escapes the phagosome rapidly after infection and reaches the host cell cytosol where bacteria undergo extensive replication. Once cytosolic, Francisella becomes a target of an autophagy-mediated process. The mechanisms by which autophagy plays a role in replication of this cytosolic pathogen have not been fully elucidated. In vitro, F. tularensis avoids degradation via autophagy and the autophagy process provides nutrients that support its intracellular replication, but the role of autophagy in vivo is unknown. Here, we investigated the role of autophagy in the pathogenesis of tularemia by using transgenic mice deficient in Atg5 in the myeloid lineage. The infection of Atg5-deficient mice with Francisella tularensis subsp. holarctica live vaccine strain (LVS) resulted in increased survival, significantly reduced bacterial burden in the mouse organs, and less severe histopathological changes in the spleen, liver and lung tissues. The data highlight the contribution of Atg5 in the pathogenesis of tularemia in vivo.

Objective: The present study evaluated the possible synergistic antimycobacterial interactions of Juniperus communis and Helichrysum italicum essential oils (EO)., Methods: Antimycobacterial potential was tested against Mycobacterium avium and Mycobacterium intracellulare using broth and water dilution method and checkerboard synergy method. Antiadhesion and antibiofilm effect of EOs was evaluated on biotic (HeLa cells) and abiotic surface (polystyrene). To evaluate the possible mechanisms of action, cellular leakage of proteins and DNA was tested and structural changes were visualized with a transmission electron microscope., Results: MIC, minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) and minimal effective concentration (MEC) were 1.6 mg ml -1 for J. communis EO and 3.2 mg ml -1 for H. italicum EO against both mycobacteria. All combinations of EOs in checkerboard synergy method produced fractional inhibitory concentration index values ranging from 0.501 to 1.5, corresponding to synergistic, additive or indifferent effects. Mycobacterium avium showed a greater tendency to create biofilm but these EOs at subinhibitory concentrations (sMIC) effectively blocked the adhesion and the establishment of biofilm. The exposure of both mycobacteria to MICs and sMICs lead to significant morphological changes: acquired a swollen form, ghost-like cell, disorganized cytoplasm detached from the cell wall. OD value of supernatant for both mycobacteria exposed to EOs have confirmed that there is a leakage of cellular material., Conclusion: The leakage of the cellular material is noticeably higher in sMIC, which is probably due to cell wall damage. sMIC of both EOs have an additive or synergistic effect, reducing MICs, limiting adhesion and preventing the formation of biofilms.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membranous nanostructures that can indicate undergoing processes in organs and thus help in diagnostics and prognostics. They are secreted by all cells, contained in body fluids, and able to transfer proteins, lipids and nucleic acids to distant cells. Intracranial EVs were shown to change their composition after severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) and therefore to have biomarker potential to evaluate brain events. Properties of intracranial EVs early after TBI, however, have not been characterized. Here, we assessed cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) up to seven days after isolated severe TBI for physical properties of EVs and their proteins associated with neuroregeneration. These findings were compared with healthy controls and correlated to patient outcome. The study included 17 patients with TBI and 18 healthy controls. EVs in TBI-CSF were visualized by electron microscopy and confirmed by immunoblotting for membrane associated Flotillin-1 and Flotillin-2. Using nanoparticle tracking analysis, we detected the highest range in EV concentration at day 1 after injury and significantly increased EV size at days 4-7. CSF concentrations of neuroregeneration associated proteins Flotillin-1, ADP-ribosylation Factor 6 (Arf6), and Ras-related protein Rab7a (Rab7a) were monitored by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Flotillin-1 was detected solely in TBI-CSF in about one third of tested patients. Unfavorable outcomes included decreasing Arf6 concentrations and a delayed Rab7a concentration increase in CSF. CSF concentrations of Arf6 and Rab7a were negatively correlated. Our data suggest that the brain response within several days after severe TBI includes shedding of EVs associated with neuroplasticity. Extended studies with a larger number of participants and CSF collected at shorter intervals are necessary to further evaluate neuroregeneration biomarker potential of Rab7a, Arf6, and Flotillin-1.

Mycobacterium avium complex-related diseases are often associated with poorly maintained hot water systems. This calls for the development of new control strategies. The aim of this study was to investigate the activity of essential oils (EOs) from the Mediterranean plants, common juniper, immortelle, sage, lavandin, laurel, and white cedar against Mycobacterium avium ssp. avium, Mycobacterium intracellulare, and Mycobacterium gordonae in culturing broth and freshwater as their most common habitat. To do that, we developed a new method of water microdilution to determine their minimal effective concentrations (MEC). The most active EO was the one from the common juniper with the MEC of 1.6 mg mL-1. Gas chromatography / mass spectrometry the juniper EO identified monoterpenes (70.54 %) and sesquiterpenes (25.9 %) as dominant component groups. The main monoterpene hydrocarbons were α-pinene, sabinene, and β-pinene. The juniper EO significantly reduced the cell viability of M. intracellulare and M. gordonae at MEC, and of M. avium at 2xMEC. Microscopic analysis confirmed its inhibitory effect by revealing significant morphological changes in the cell membrane and cytoplasm of all three bacteria. The mode of action of the juniper EO on the cell membrane was confirmed by a marked leakage of intracellular material. Juniper EO has a great practical potential as a complementary or alternative water disinfectant in hot water systems such as baths, swimming pools, spa pools, hot tubs, or even foot baths/whirlpools.

Several studies have shown a gradual increase in the extent of bone marrow angiogenesis in various stages of proliferative plasma cell disorders, from monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) to active multiple myeloma (MM). The main aim of this study was to evaluate tumor angiogenesis parameters in detail and to correlate them with the expression of osteopontin (OPN) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the bone marrow of patients with MGUS and MM. In addition, we wanted to determine their prognostic significance in active MM. Ninety-five patients were enrolled in the study: 14 diagnosed with MGUS, 13 with asymptomatic myeloma (AMM) and 68 with active MM. Computer assisted image analysis was used to determine the angiogenesis parameters, the quantity of microvessels per 1mm(2) (MVD), the area occupied by microvessels per 1mm(2) and the percentage of microvessel area in total section area (TVA). Double immunohistochemical methods CD138+VEGF and CD138+OPN were used to evaluate expression of these proteins in plasma cells, and OPN was also analyzed for its interstitial expression (iOPN). A significant positive correlation was determined between VEGF and iOPN with angiogenic parameters in the MGUS stage of the disease. In advanced stages of the disease, a significant negative correlation was recorded between OPN and iOPN with parameters of angiogenesis. Overall survival was significantly shorter for patients with negative iOPN (p=0.002) and higher angiogenic parameters, MVD (p=0.009), TVA (p=0.008) and area of microvessels per 1mm(2) (p=0.02). Positive VEGF expression in our model predicted a better three-year survival of patients with active MM (OR: 5.25, p=0.03; HR: 0.44, p=0.04). The results of our study suggested a possible key role of VEGF and OPN in the induction of angiogenesis in early-stage disease., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.)

The aim of this pilot study was to determine the plasma levels of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) and possible associations with angiogenesis and the main clinical features of untreated patients with multiple myeloma (MM). ELISA was used to determine plasma MCP-1 levels in 45 newly diagnosed MM patients and 24 healthy controls. The blood vessels were highlighted by immunohistochemical staining, and computer-assisted image analysis was used for more objective and accurate determination of two parameters of angiogenesis: microvessel density (MVD) and total vascular area (TVA). The plasma levels of MCP-1 were compared to these parameters and the presence of anemia, renal dysfunction, and bone lesions. A significant positive correlation was found between plasma MCP-1 concentrations and TVA (p = 0.02). The MCP-1 levels were significantly higher in MM patients with evident bone lesions (p = 0.01), renal dysfunction (p = 0.02), or anemia (p = 0.04). Therefore, our preliminary results found a positive association between plasma MCP-1 levels, angiogenesis (expressed as TVA), and clinical features in patients with MM. However, additional prospective studies with a respectable number of patients should be performed to authenticate these results and establish MCP-1 as a possible target of active treatment.

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common malignant tumor of the kidney. The major goal of imaging techniques is to correctly differentiate between benign and malignant renal lesions. We present the cases of six patients with renal masses that were interpreted completely differently based on ultrasound (US) and computerized tomography (CT) findings.From January 1st, 2008 to March 1st, 2014, 307 patients from our center underwent nephrectomy for RCC. In all patients US and CT were performed before the operation.In six patients, the US indicated a focal, solid renal lesion that was interpreted by CT as a cystic lesion (Bosniak II-III). Because discrepancies were evident, renal biopsies were performed. The biopsies revealed RCC in the six patients, all of whom underwent subsequent nephrectomy. All of the patients were confirmed to have macroscopically solid RCC without any cystic components.In most cases, CT is the most accurate diagnostic technique for the clinical diagnostic classification of renal masses. In cases where US characterizes a renal lesion as solid, despite CT findings of a cystic lesion, kidney biopsies are recommended. The 6 cases reported here support our belief that, in diagnostic processes of RCC, these techniques should be complementary used.

Numerous immunohistochemical biomarkers for patients with urothelial bladder cancer have been identified in order to predict their biological behavior. The aim of this present study was to examine the uroplakin III (UPIII) expression in homogenous group of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer and to correlate its value with clinico-pathological characteristics of patients and moreover with COX-2 expression and tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). Tumor specimens from 127 patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer, divided into two groups: patients who developed recurrent disease during the first five post-operative years (N=78) and patients without recurrent disease during a follow-up of minimum 5 years (N=49), were retrieved for tissue microarrays construction. On paraffin sections, the immunohistochemical analysis of UPIII expression was performed and staining was semiquantitatively evaluated. Expression of UPIII, including luminal, membranous and cytoplasmic one, was found in more than half of the tumors (57%). Specific staining pattern for UPIII was not associated with age and gender of patients, pathological grade, tumor size, disease stage or recurrence of disease. There was no association between UPIII, COX-2 and TILs, except for a negative moderate association between UP and COX-2 in the group of patients without recurrent tumor, and a strong association between UPIII and in the group with tumor recurrence. The present work gives an insight into the very complex mechanisms involved in tumor biology and progression. Moreover, it highlights the importance of further studies that should include multiple molecular markers in models designed to predict the outcome of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.)

The aim of this pilot study was to determine the plasma levels of osteopontin (OPN) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and find possible association between them and main clinical features and parameters of tumor burden in patient with multiple myeloma (MM). Plasma levels of OPN and VEGF were determined in 44 newly diagnosed MM patients and 24 healthy persons by ELISA method. These values were compared with the presence of anemia, renal dysfunction, and bone lesions as myeloma related clinical manifestations and with serum beta-2 microglobulin and Durie-Salmon clinical stage as prognosticators related to tumor mass. The value of OPN was significantly higher in MM patients with evident bone lesions (P = 0.03) and there was also a positive correlation with serum beta-2 microglobulin (r = 0.366; P = 0.04). Furthermore, patients with lower Durie-Salmon stage had significantly lower OPN and VEGF levels (P = 0.05; P = 0.04, resp.). Our preliminary results found positive association between plasma level of OPN, tumor burden, and bone destruction. Further analysis should provide information about the possible use of OPN as useful clinical biomarker for monitoring bone disease and tumor mass, as well as a prognostic factor, or a possible target for pharmacological intervention.

Despite the advances that have been made in the fields of molecular and cell biology, there is still considerable debate explaining how the breast cancer cells progress through carcinogenesis and acquire their metastatic ability. The lack of preventive methods and effective therapies underlines the pressing need to identify new biomarkers that can aid early diagnosis and may be targets for effective therapeutic strategies. In this study we explore the pituitary tumor-transforming gene 1 (PTTG1) expression in primary ductal breast carcinoma, lymph node infiltration, and distant metastases. Three human cell lines, 184B5 derived from normal mammary epithelium, HCC70 from a primary ductal carcinoma, and MDA-MB-361 from a breast metastasis, were used for quantifying PTTG1 mRNA expression. The PTTG1 immunohistochemical expression was carried out on specimens taken from eight patients with invasive ductal breast cancer who underwent surgical treatment and followup for five years retrospectively selected. The study demonstrated that PTTG1 is expressed gradually in primary ductal breast carcinoma, lymph node infiltration, and distant metastases. Our findings suggest that the immunohistochemical evaluation of PTTG1 expression might be a powerful biomarker of recognition and quantification of the breast cancer cells in routine pathological specimens and a potential target for developing an effective immunotherapeutic strategy for primary and metastatic breast cancer.

The aim of our study was to emphasize the importance of accurate and standardized techniques for detailed monitoring of the microenvironment in multiple myeloma (MM). Bone marrow fibrosis, angiogenesis, and plasma cell infiltrates in bone marrow biopsy (BMB) samples at the time of diagnosis and on completion of therapy were analyzed for 42 patients with newly diagnosed MM. Computerized image analysis was used for all slides stained with anti-CD138 and anti-CD34. The patients with fibrosis in pretreatment BMB samples had significantly higher microvessel density (MVD) and plasma cell infiltrates. In posttreatment BMB samples, nonresponders had a significantly higher frequency and grade of fibrosis and higher values of MVD, total vascular area, and plasma cell percentage. The overall survival of nonresponders and patients with increased marrow fibrosis in posttreatment BMB samples was significantly shorter. The obtained results confirm that complex morphologic examination of the bone marrow microenvironment during the monitoring of MM can provide better prognostic significance.